TOP EXCURSIONS IN PUERTO RICO: EXPLORE EL YUNQUE RAINFOREST

The vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes of Puerto Rico, a Caribbean gem, are well-known. As a premier tourist destination, it offers a plethora of activities and sights for all types of travelers. Among these, El Yunque Rainforest stands out as a top-tier excursions in Puerto Rico, captivating visitors with its unique ecosystem and unparalleled biodiversity. This article dives into why El Yunque is a must-visit and provides insights into the best ways to explore this natural wonder.

Explore the best excursion in Puerto Rico: Dive into El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque Rainforest is not only the most famous natural attraction in Puerto Rico but also the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered mountains create a magical environment that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

It is no surprise that the 11,300 hectares of El Yunque National Forest are one of the most visited destinations in Puerto Rico. The misty emerald green forest, located on the northeastern tip of the island, features rolling mountains and enormous biodiversity. Here, the highest altitude sites receive more than 500 centimeters of rain per year. Hike the trails to see some of the 240 species of plants and a variety of birds and other small creatures, including the local mascot, the coquí tree frog. Bring a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and some dry clothing, and get ready to discover El Yunque National Forest.

Discover the best excursions in Puerto Rico, with Island Journey, participants aged 8-70 can enjoy tours that range from moderate to strenuous. Our excursions are available every day, and we meet at Frutera Flores in Luquillo. Please remember, you must have a rental car as taxis and Ubers are not an option. Contact us today and capture your memories with complimentary photos!

Discover the Natural Trails and Flora of El Yunque

El Yunque is a hiker’s paradise, with some 38 kilometers of recreational trails. Trails vary in length, altitude and difficulty. Some popular hikes include the La Coca and Juan Diego trails, which lead to natural ponds. The La Mina trail leads to La Mina Falls, a swimmable waterfall. The Mt. Britton Trail leads to stunning views from the top of 941-meter-high Mt. Britton and its observation tower. An easier-to-access observation tower is the Yokahú Tower, which has a parking lot next to it. The tower, at 480 meters above sea level, offers visitors stunning 360-degree views of the island.

Explore the Biodiversity of El Yunque Rainforest

While El Yunque is one of the smallest forests in the National Forest System, it has more biodiversity than any other forest! In fact, there are about as many tree species here at El Yunque— about 250 different types of trees on less than 30,000 acres—as on all the 192 million acres of other national forests combined.

A rich variety of aquatic life is found in the area’s many streams, which provide a valuable water source for thousands of Puerto Rican residents. The area features the largest number of native tree species in the NFS, contains 50 varieties of orchids and more than 150 species of ferns, and is home to eight federally listed endangered plants and 30 sensitive plant species. The area is also rich in wildlife. It is occupied by 42 year-round species of birds and is of great importance to at least 35 neotropical migratory bird species including the Peregrine Falcon, Merlin and the Black-throated Blue Warbler.

All of these species can be commonly found in any of the rivers or streams of the forest, but they are particularly easy to spot in the Mameyes River (Angelito Trail, Puente Roto, La Coca Trail). The Mameyes River is the only river in the Island that runs un-interrupted from its origin to the sea. Therefore the Mameyes system enjoys the highest natural aquatic diversity and species richness of any Forest watershed.

Experience the Ideal Climate of El Yunque Perfect Weather:

• The climate in El Yunque is one of its many attractions. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 21°C (70°F) year-round, providing a pleasant escape from the heat of the coastal areas. However, the high humidity and frequent rainfall can make the environment feel cooler than it is.
• When planning your visit to El Yunque, if you book excursions in Puerto Rico, it’s essential to dress appropriately. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is recommended, along with sturdy hiking shoes that can handle wet and slippery conditions. A rain jacket is a must, as sudden showers are common. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs. Staying hydrated is crucial, so carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes.
• Navigating the rainforest’s humid climate can be challenging, but being prepared ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Experience top excursions in Puerto Rico with Island Journey! Designed for ages 8-70 and ranging from moderate to strenuous difficulty, our tours run from Sunday to Saturday. We meet at Frutera Flores in Luquillo.

Book your adventure now and enjoy complimentary pictures to take home!

490+ 5-star reviews

Went on the Puerto Rico Rainforest Tour with the family and we all loved it. Our guides were Paola and Bradley and they were great from our initial meetup, through the actual tour and all the way through to making sure that we got back on the right road home. Can’t say enough good things about them. Paul Danao